Navigating Social Security disability applications and claims can be daunting without guidance. At Berger and Green, we provide personalized legal assistance to residents of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. Our Greensburg Social Security Disability lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights and the benefits they may be entitled to.
Whether you’re applying for SSDI, SSI, or both at the same time for the first time or facing the challenges of an appeal, our team is here to ensure your case is handled with the care and dedication it deserves. With personal injury lawyer in Greensburg, you gain a partner committed to securing the best possible outcome for your disability claim. Let us help you navigate the path to receiving the benefits you need and deserve. Call us today to get started.
Social Security Disability Benefits Are Essential for Many Greensburg Residents
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are crucial programs designed to assist those unable to work due to disability. SSDI is accessible to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system, offering financial benefits and eligibility for Medicare after a waiting period.
In contrast, SSI aids individuals with limited income and resources, providing a monthly stipend and Medicaid eligibility, regardless of work history.
The key difference lies in their eligibility criteria: SSDI is based on work credits, while SSI focuses on financial need. Both programs are invaluable, offering a lifeline by supporting basic living expenses and healthcare needs for those who qualify.
Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps individuals who have worked and contributed to the Social Security system but are now unable to continue working due to a disability. To be eligible for SSDI, applicants must:
- Have earned a minimum of 20 work credits, though the exact number of required credits can be lower depending on the applicant’s age at the time they became disabled. This aspect ensures that even younger workers who haven’t had the opportunity to accumulate a lengthy work history may still qualify for benefits.
- Demonstrate that they have a medical condition that is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months. However, it is important to note that individuals do not need to wait for a year after becoming unable to work to apply for SSDI.
- Have a qualifying medical condition. The SSA lists possible impairments that can help you qualify for benefits, although it is not a complete list.
Applying for SSDI can be quite overwhelming, as you may be unsure if you have enough credits or have worked qualifying jobs, and proving that your disability qualifies can be exhausting. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Greensburg with our firm can help walk you through the requirements and answer any questions.
You May Also Be Able to Apply for SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial support to individuals who are disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI eligibility is not based on work history but on financial need.
To qualify for SSI benefits, applicants must meet strict income and resource limits, demonstrating that their financial situation is below a certain threshold. This includes considering cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property, with exceptions for a primary residence and one vehicle used for transportation.
Additionally, individuals must have a medical condition that significantly limits their ability to perform basic work activities and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. SSI is crucial for those who are most vulnerable, offering a monthly payment to help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
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Start A Free EvaluationLet Our Greensburg Social Security Disability Attorneys Handle Your Case
A Social Security Disability lawyer plays a pivotal role in navigating the often complex and daunting process of securing SSDI or SSI benefits. With a deep understanding of the SSA procedures and criteria, our lawyers can make this process easier and more straightforward.
From the initial application to potential appeals, a disability lawyer will meticulously prepare and review your documentation, ensuring that all necessary medical evidence and paperwork are submitted accurately and timely. They are adept at articulating the impact of your disability on your ability to work, effectively communicating this to the SSA.
Moreover, if your application faces denial, a Social Security Disability lawyer is invaluable in the appeals process. We can represent you at your hearing, strategically argue your case before a Judge, and navigate the complexities of legal proceedings.
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Contact Us Now For HelpThe Social Security Disability Application Process
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Submitting Your SSD Application
The initial stage of a disability claim involves submitting an application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This process requires providing detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and how your disability affects your daily life. Accuracy and thorough documentation are crucial, as they significantly impact the outcome.
The SSA reviews your application(s) to determine if you meet the criteria for disability benefits under SSDI or SSI programs, depending on which one you applied for. We can help you complete the application if it is your first time applying, and we can also help if it’s your appeal.
Request for Reconsideration of Your SSD Application
If your initial application is denied, the next step is to file for reconsideration. This is essentially a complete review of your claim by a different SSA examiner who was not involved in the original decision.
Hearing with a Judge
Should your claim be denied after reconsideration, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This stage offers a critical chance to present your case. You can testify about your disability, and your Social Security Disability lawyer in Greensburg can cross-examine witnesses and submit new evidence. The ALJ will ask questions to understand your disability and how it impacts your ability to work. This stage often presents the best opportunity for your claim to be approved.
Appealing the ALJ’s Decision
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council reviews your case, focusing on any legal errors or oversight in the application of Social Security laws. If the Appeals Council decides not to review your case or if it reviews but still denies your claim, the final step is to file a lawsuit in federal district court.
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Start A Free EvaluationOur Law Firm Can Help With Your Greensburg Social Security Disability Claim
We know just how overwhelming this process can be, but our Greensburg Social Security Disability lawyers are prepared to take on your case. We want to get you the benefits you need, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today.